South Africa Meat Snacks Market Overview, 2030

Meat snacks are ready-to-eat, portable, and often protein-packed food items made from various types of meat, including beef, pork, chicken, and even exotic meats. One of the main reasons meat snacks are so popular in South Africa is their portability. With busy lifestyles and a culture that highly values outdoor activities such as hiking, road trips, and sports, meat snacks serve as an ideal on-the-go option. The compact, shelf-stable nature of products like biltong (a dried meat snack) and droëwors (dried sausage) makes them easy to carry and consume without the need for refrigeration. Consumers are increasingly aware of the health benefits of meat snacks, with many opting for options that are high in protein, low in carbs, and free from artificial additives and preservatives. South African meat snacks offer an array of flavors that reflect local taste preferences. Traditional seasoning blends, such as peri-peri (spicy) and chutney, are popular, and some brands offer options to cater to various dietary preferences. Many Africans are following low-carb and ketogenic diets, which focus on reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing protein and healthy fat consumption. This dietary shift drives the demand for meat snacks that are naturally low in carbs and sugars while providing essential nutrients like protein and iron. There’s a growing focus on consuming whole, unprocessed foods. Clean eating has become a buzzword, and as a result, South African consumers are gravitating toward meat snacks that adhere to the clean-label trend. South African consumers are more likely to choose meat snacks that contain no artificial flavorings, colorings, or preservatives. This is particularly important to those who are increasingly aware of the health implications of consuming food with long, unrecognizable ingredient lists. There is a growing demand for sustainability, especially with the increasing awareness of environmental issues. South African consumers are more interested in brands that source meat ethically, whether it's from free-range animals, grass-fed beef, or local suppliers who follow sustainable practices. Companies that highlight their commitment to animal welfare and environmentally friendly packaging practices are likely to gain traction.

According to the research report "South Africa Meat Snacks Market Overview, 2030," published by Bonafide Research, the South Africa Meat Snacks market is anticipated to grow at more than 9.12% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. As the South African middle class expands, there is a growing appetite for premium and gourmet food products. This has spurred the demand for high-quality meat snacks, especially those that cater to modern tastes, such as organic or grass-fed meat options. E-commerce has witnessed a significant surge in South Africa, and the meat snacks market is no exception. The rise of online shopping platforms like Takealot, Woolworths, Pick n Pay, and independent direct-to-consumer brands has made it easier for consumers to access meat snacks, often with the added convenience of home delivery. Some emerging brands in South Africa have capitalized on subscription-based models, where consumers can receive their favorite meat snacks on a regular basis. This model fosters customer loyalty and makes repeat purchases easier. The Biltong Bar This brand focuses on the premium segment of the market, offering gourmet and artisan biltong with a focus on flavor variety and unique seasoning. Sustainability will continue to be a key focus in the South African meat snacks market, with a push toward eco-friendly production, ethical sourcing, and greener packaging options. Brands that integrate sustainability into their core mission and operations are likely to capture the growing environmentally-conscious consumer segment. Brands like The Original Biltong Company and Biltong Makers have emphasized their sustainable and ethical sourcing practices, focusing on free-range, grass-fed meat and recyclable packaging. This movement is becoming increasingly important to consumers who are looking for eco-conscious snack options. South Africa's export of biltong to countries like the UK, USA, and Australia has increased, driven by a growing demand for protein-rich, snackable foods. The Biltong Bar opened its first international store in London in 2022, signaling the international appeal of South African meat snacks.

Biltong is the South African counterpart to jerky and is arguably the most iconic meat snack in the country. Made from strips of beef, game, or other meats, it is seasoned and air-dried, offering a rich, savory flavor. Biltong is available in various thicknesses and flavors, such as peri-peri, garlic, and chilli, making it versatile and widely loved. Jerky-style products in South Africa typically emphasize high protein, low sugar, and preservative-free ingredients. Droëwors (dried sausage) and other similar products fall into this category. These meat snacks are often seasoned with traditional spices, then air-dried or smoked. The long, thin shape makes them portable and convenient, ideal for snacking on the go. Droëwors, often made from beef or game meat, is a popular and beloved option in South Africa. These are typically larger, dried meat snacks made from beef, pork, or game. Sausages, such as boerewors (a traditional South African sausage), can also be found in dried or cured forms. They're often flavored with unique South African spices like coriander, nutmeg, and cloves. Meat bars are a relatively newer addition to the South African market, combining convenience with high protein content. These bars are usually packed with lean meats, and many are marketed as fitness snacks, ideal for post-workout recovery. They come in a range of flavors and are often marketed as clean-label products, free from artificial additives. This category includes a variety of meat-based snacks, such as biltong chunks, which offer a heartier snack, or meat chips that provide a crispy texture. Meat broths and pâtés are also becoming popular as savory, nutrient-rich snack options. Meat bites are smaller, bite-sized pieces, often seasoned with bold flavors for added taste.
Beef is the most commonly used meat for snacks in South Africa, particularly in biltong and droëwors. Known for its rich, savory flavor and high protein content, beef is the cornerstone of the South African meat snacks market. Many consumers favor beef biltong due to its tender texture and the versatility of flavors it can be seasoned with, such as peri-peri, garlic, and chutney. Pork is used in a variety of meat snacks, such as sausages and bacon jerky. South African pork-based snacks often include boerewors or pork biltong, and some brands even offer pork jerky, which is less common but gaining popularity. Pork snacks are known for their rich flavor, and they often appeal to consumers seeking a different taste from traditional beef options. Poultry, especially chicken, is becoming increasingly popular in the South African meat snack market. Chicken biltong and chicken jerky are favored for their leaner, lighter taste compared to beef. Poultry-based snacks are often marketed as healthier alternatives, catering to consumers looking for lower-fat, high-protein snacks. Lamb and goat are considered premium meat options in South Africa. Lamb biltong and goat droëwors offer unique, rich flavors that attract consumers looking for something different. These snacks are often marketed as gourmet options, appealing to those who enjoy gamey, tender meat varieties. Exotic meats like venison, bison, and even wild boar are gaining traction in South Africa’s meat snack market. Salmon jerky and other seafood-based snacks offer a healthy, omega-3 rich alternative.

Major retailers like Pick n Pay, Woolworths, and Checkers offer a wide variety of meat snacks, including biltong, droëwors, and jerky, often in ready-to-eat packages. These stores provide both branded and private-label options, making them convenient for consumers to purchase high-quality snacks at competitive prices. Their large-scale reach allows them to capture a broad customer base. Convenience stores and smaller grocery outlets, such as Spar and 7-Eleven, are key channels for on-the-go consumers. These stores typically stock meat snacks like biltong, meat sticks, and jerky in small, convenient packaging. The appeal lies in their accessibility, often located near workplaces, petrol stations, and residential areas, catering to busy individuals who need quick, portable snacks. Specialty stores, including health food shops and gourmet food retailers, are gaining popularity for high-end, premium meat snacks. These stores often carry artisanal biltong, grass-fed beef jerky, and unique flavors of droëwors. Consumers who prioritize quality, clean-label ingredients, and ethical sourcing often turn to these outlets for a more refined snacking experience. E-commerce has become an important channel for purchasing meat snacks in South Africa, with platforms like Takealot, Woolworths Online, and direct-to-consumer brand websites providing convenience and variety. Online shopping allows consumers to explore niche products, subscription services, and exclusive flavors that may not be available in physical stores. Quick service restaurants (QSRs) and travel retail outlets such as airports are emerging channels for meat snacks. Airport kiosks and hotel mini-bars often stock meat snack options like biltong or jerky, providing travelers with quick and nutritious snacks while on the move. Some QSRs offer meat-based snacks as part of their menu, catering to the growing demand for protein-rich, convenient food.


Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030



Aspects covered in this report
• Meat Snacks Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product Type
• Jerky
• Sticks & Strips
• Sausages
• Bars
• Others (Chunks, Bites, Chips, Flakes, Broths, Pâtés)

By Source
• Beef
• Pork
• Poultry
• Lamb & Goat
• Others(Salmon & Other Seafood, Exotic Meats (Venison, Bison, Others)

By Sales Channel
• Hypermarkets/Supermarkets
• Convenience Stores & Grocery Stores
• Specialty Stores
• Online Retailers
• Others(Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs), Airport & Travel Retail)

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to agriculture industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.